Monday, April 13, 2009

Schzandra is the perfect adaptogen to rev up your sleep health regimen. It is known to help support deep, refreshing sleep.

Imagine this: Over the course of a lifetime, by the time we have reached 70 years of age, each of us will have spent more than 20 years asleep. Schizandra might be just what you've been looking for, if you would like to improve the quality of your sleep,

Schizandra "quiets the spirit and calms the heart."

Schizandra has been used for more than 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an adaptogen to restore vitality and energy. In TCM, Schizandra is thought to "quiet the spirit and calm the heart," making it an excellent herb to relieve stress and the restless sleep that usually comes with it. Since Schizandra helps support healthy sleep patterns, it also helps support endurance and work performance. It is often recommended for people who need high levels of energy, such as athletes. (1)

What makes Schizandra special?

Scientists attribute the herb's unique abilities to lignans and phytoesterols. Lignans are phytoestrogens, compounds found in the cell walls of plants. Lignans appear to protect the liver by activating the enzymes in liver cells that produce glutathione, an important antioxidant substance. In addition, lignans interfere with a compound called platelet-activating factor. (2-8)Phytosterols are plant-based, cholesterol-like compounds that support healthy blood lipids.

Studies have shown that Schizandra is effective for:

•Supporting mental clarity, concentration, and coordination

•Nourishing the lungs, kidneys, and liver (9)

•Protecting the liver from toxins (2-8)

•Providing antioxidant protection to the mitochondria, the powerhouse within every cell in the body (10)

•Supporting a healthy immune system (11)

How safe is Schizandra?

Schizandra is very safe for long-term use. However, it should not be used during pregnancy or nursing, or in conjunction with drugs that cause drowsiness. Consult with your health care professional before using Schizandra if you have seizure disorders, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Overall supportive herb

If you want to reduce mind chatter, ward off stress, and sleep more soundly…and if you want to be more productive at work and enjoy your daytime activities, Schizandra is an excellent adaptogen to add to your health regimen.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Want to support your cardiovascular and overall health? Jiaogulan is the perfect adaptogen herb to help you. China's 'Immortality Herb' Jiaogulan is best known for its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a potent adaptogen that supports healthy blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and healthy immunity. Until recently, it was known only in regions of southern China, where it is described as "the immortality herb" because people in the Guizhou province attribute their longevity to drinking Jiaogulan tea.

The earliest information on Jiaogulan appeared in the book Materia Medica for Famine (1406 A.D), at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Jiaogulan was recently re-discovered by a Japanese researcher who was in search of a sugar substitute. He studied Jiaogulan—a weed known for its sweetness—and discovered that it contains benefits similar to Ginseng. His discovery led to a body of scientific research on Jiaogulan, which has revealed that the herb is a potent adaptogen and antioxidant with numerous health benefits.

How does Jiaogulan support a healthy heart?

Studies have shown that Jiaogulan is effective for:

•Supporting healthy blood lipid levels (1)

•Supporting healthy blood pressure (2)

•Enhancing the release of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax coronary blood vessels (3)

•Providing adaptogenic (4,5) and antioxidant support (6,7)

•Increasing stamina and endurance

What's so special about Jiaogulan?

Jiaogulan contains a large amount of active ingredients—saponins—known as gypenosides. The structure of the gypenosides is similar to the ginsenosides found in Ginseng. But there are three to four times as many saponins in Jiaogulan as there are in Ginseng. Scientists believe that this greater number of gypenosides may account for Jiaogulan's ability to positively affect more body systems than Ginseng, including the cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, immune, and neurological systems. (8,9)

How safe is Jiaogulan?

No drug contraindications are known at this time.

Overall supportive herb

A healthy heart is key to overall health and well-being. Live a healthy lifestyle, reduce your stress, and consider adding Jiaogulan to your daily health regimen. After all, it’s called the herb of immortality…how can you refuse?